388,000 produced between 1946 and 1965 | Designed by Brooks Stevens.
The story begins in 1946…
James D. Mooney, president and board chairman of Willys-Overland Motors, announces the “introduction of a new jeep station wagon” describing it as a “people’s car.” Indeed, the new 2WD, all-steel station wagon boasted easy maintenance, safety and a seven-passenger capacity. Powered by the Go-Devil flathead, four cylinder engine, the 463 model was designed to compete with the “rear” wood wagons manufactured by Detroit’s Big Three.
In 1949 the Station Wagon pushes ahead, adding 4-wheel drive and claiming “The new 4-Wheel-Drive Willys Station wagon has the powerful all-wheel traction to get you through deep mud, sand and snow – to keep you rolling on slippery ice. It will climb murderous grades – let you head cross-country with no road at all.” (E.W. Schwarz Motors Ad, Nov. 6, 1949 – Milwaukee Sentinel).
The new addition of 4WD to the Willys Station Wagon was the civilian result of the government’s request in the previous year to build a prototype four-wheel drive wagon. At the time, the implications of the evolution of the station wagon to include 4WD were little understood; however, this innovation would lead to the creation of an important and emerging market segment, and arguably earned Willys-Overland the credit for the creation of the SUV.
While in production, the Willys Station Wagon employed many different engines and was also available in several commercial delivery formats (Sedan Delivery, Panel Delivery, Utility Delivery) but was ultimately phased out in 1965 by the Jeep Wagoneer.
Engines for the Willys Station Wagon included: (1946-50) L4-134 Go-Devil, (1948-50) L6-148 Lightning, (1950-1965) F 4-134 Hurricane, (1950-1951) L6-161 Lightning, (1952-1954) F6-161 Hurricane, (1954-1962) L6-226 Super Hurricane, (1962-1965) 6-230 Tornado.
Pop culture: In 1958, the Maverick model was introduced (the name was taken from the TV Show of which Willys was a sponsor, a comedy-western created by Roy Huggins and featuring James Garner, Jack Kelly, Roger Moore, and Robert Colbert).
Kaiser Willys carries a large selection of New, Used and NOS for Willys vehicles between the years 1941-1971, including the Willys Station Wagon.
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If you are looking for, Willys Jeep Parts, or Willys Jeep Restoration Parts and much more for your 1941-1971 Willys vehicle, you have come to the right place!
I have a 1951 Willys 2 door station wagon.This jeep has an elect. connection on the inside of each front hub. There is a brass contact also. Can anyone help me identify what this is for ? I’m lost.
[...] sumber : Willys Station Wagon: A History By Mike Meditz [...]
The 148 lightning was also used in 653 ’49 Jeepsters, and I have the only one down here in N.Z.
A friend has a fully restored Maverick.
Loved the article, Love everything about the Willys marque.
oh — forgot to mention reading about the wagon –and that one motor option was the super hurricane six –brings back a memory about when my dad back in the late 50s early 60s put the super hurricane six in a 51 cj2a –stretched the hood front frame horns —it was powerful for sure –yup I still remember
very good I enjoyed reading about the wagon– you guys are doing great keep up the good work —Larry